COD plays host to fire service 'Home Day'

College of DuPage will play host to the ninth annual Illinois Fire Service "Home Day" from 10:30 a.m. to 1 p.m. Thursday, June 5, in the Homeland Security Education Center on the college's main campus, 425 Fawell Blvd., in Glen Ellyn.

This event is sponsored by the Metropolitan Fire Chief's Association of Illinois through partnerships with the Fire Apparatus Manufacturers' Association and the Fire and Emergency Manufacturers and Services Association. The program is intended for Illinois fire service leaders to raise awareness about fire and emergency service issues among state and national lawmakers.

Speakers will include Illinois State Fire Marshal Larry Matkaitis, Fire Grant Specialist for the U.S. Department of Homeland Security Don Mobley, Naperville Fire Chief Mark Puknaitis and Illinois Congressman Mike Quigley.

During this event, attendees will have the opportunity to meet with more than 100 fire service leaders, as well as the managers of 20 fire equipment manufacturers who represent roughly 100,000 employees in Illinois.

Illinois Fire Service representatives also will be on hand to describe what funding from the Fire Act Grant has meant to fire service in Illinois. Equipment showcasing funding received during the past 14 years, as well as vendor exhibits, will be on display.

In addition, participants will receive a tour of the new 66,000-square-foot Homeland Security Education Center.

Admission is free for elected officials and staff members. There is a $15 fee for all other attendees, which is payable at the door on the day of the event.

For details, contact Dawn Hjelmgren at dawnh@darley.com or (630) 735-3558.